HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem C: Council Goal Update - Neighborhood Empowerment
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: City Council Goal Update - Neighborhood Empowerment
Meeting Date: December 8, 2008 Agenda Item Number: C
Department: Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Staff Contact: Renee Grube
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5067
ISSUE STATEMENT
This work session will provide an update to the council on the Neighborhood Empowerment Council
Goal.
BACKGROUND
The City Council first identified a “Neighborhood Initiative” as a council goal at the 2005 Council
Retreat. The support for this initiative was renewed at the 2007 Council Retreat and renamed
“Neighborhood Empowerment.” In May 2007, the City Council approved an updated Neighborhood
Empowerment Action Plan (Attachment A) that reflected direction from the 2007 Council Retreat, as
well as input from Neighborhood Associations, the Neighborhood Leaders Council, and the 2007
Neighborhood Summit.
To build strong neighborhoods by
The focus of the Neighborhood Empowerment goal is:
developing community leadership and working collaboratively with residents to achieve the
delivery of City services and neighborhood priorities.
This focus is further defined by three key
objectives:
·Enhance effective public engagement activities.
·Support neighborhood involvement by empowering all neighborhood associations.
·Focus service delivery to better meet neighborhood-identified needs and priorities.
A committee of City staff (representing numerous departments) and neighborhood representatives
(appointed by their respective neighborhood associations and coordinating with the Neighborhood
Leaders Council) meet on a monthly basis to advance the work of the Neighborhood Empowerment
Action Plan. The focus of the committee’s work is summarized below and highlighted in the Action
Plan Update (Attachment B).
Action Plan Status
Twenty-three specific items in the Action Plan were prioritized by participants at the 2007
neighborhood summit. The top three prioritized items include:
1.Shift involvement of neighborhood associations to be earlier in the land use process.
2.Review standards for regulating and focusing infill. Use Opportunity Siting as a primary
strategy for achieving density in mixed use centers.
3.Increase ongoing support for neighborhood associations. In order to increase the participation
levels and effectiveness of neighborhood associations, the City and neighborhood associations
should recognize the needs and strategize ways to provide more ongoing support to them.
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Significant progress has been made on these three prioritized items, as well as others. Of note, is the
recently completed Neighborhood Services Assessment Report, conducted by the consulting firm of
JLA Public Involvement, and guided by a steering committee composed of neighborhood leaders and
City staff. This report was commissioned to conduct an in-depth assessment of the Neighborhood
Services Program and provide recommendations for appropriate programmatic framework and staffing
resources that better support the goals and objectives of the Neighborhood Empowerment Initiative.
The report identifies 22 recommendations that are out for public comment through December 31, 2008.
Collaboration
The Neighborhood Empowerment Council Goal has brought city staff and neighborhood
representatives together into a unique and collaborative working group. Improved relationships and
increased trust between the two groups have resulted. The group has been meeting on a regular
monthly basis since September of 2007, and collaborates on meeting agendas, action plan
implementation, quarterly reports to the City Council, performance measures, budget
recommendations, and City Council agenda item summaries.
A neighborhood summit is planned for March of 2009, with a focus on identifying ways for
neighborhoods and the City to work together for a livable Eugene. It is expected that this summit will
provide a forum to check back in with neighborhoods about priority issues and to explore new ways to
collaborate and achieve shared goals.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
·2007-2008 City Council Goal - Neighborhood Empowerment
·The updated Neighborhood Empowerment Action Plan was approved by the council in May 2007.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
None; this item is informational only.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
None; this item is informational only.
SUGGESTED MOTION
None; this item is informational only.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Neighborhood Empowerment Action Plan, May 2007
B. Neighborhood Empowerment Action Plan Update, December 2008
C. Neighborhood Empowerment Committee Membership
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Renee Grube
Telephone: 682-5067
Staff E-Mail: renee.l.grube@ci.eugene.or.us
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ATTACHMENT A
Council Goal:
Neighborhood Empowerment Action Plan
At the February 2005 retreat of the Eugene City Council, launching a “Neighborhood Initiative”
was identified as a council priority issue. A staff team developed a draft action plan to provide a
framework for defining the objectives and outcomes the council envisioned when identifying this
priority issue. The draft action plan was presented to Council at the August 10, 2005 work
session. Based on comments and specific direction provided at the work session, staff prepared
a revised draft Action Plan. That Plan was approved with modifications on November 23, 2005.
The focus of the plan is on creating and sustaining Strong Neighborhoods, with an emphasis on
building partnerships motivated to collaboratively problem-solve and develop solutions that
benefit a broad representation of the community.
In April of 2007, the Plan was updated again to reflect additional direction from the City Council
resulting from the January 2007 Council Retreat, as well as input from Neighborhood
Associations, the Neighborhood Leaders Council, and the February 2007 Neighborhood Summit.
A.Planning horizon and focus
Action Plan Focus: To build Strong Neighborhoods by developing community leadership
and working collaboratively with residents to achieve the delivery of City Services and
Neighborhood Priorities.
The focus is further defined by the following key objectives:
?
Enhance effective public engagement activities.
Facilitate involvement from the
broader community, including under-represented individuals, by diversifying public
engagement activities. When residents are engaged as partners and are seen, and see
themselves, as part of the solution, then a collaborative relationship is possible.
?
Support neighborhood involvement by empowering all neighborhood associations.
Facilitate effective neighborhood associations through leadership training opportunities,
improved communications, and providing resources based on individual association
needs.
?
Focus service delivery to better meet neighborhood-identified needs and priorities.
This objective will be met by focusing on the following guiding principles:
Listen to the people
o
Build on strengths & assets
o
Identify and respond to community/neighborhood vision and priorities
o
Create Partnerships
o
Maintain Ongoing commitment to Strong Neighborhoods concept
o
NEAP Page 1 4-30-07
Collaborate & use existing resources
o
Given the potential scope and breadth of the Plan, related actions and tasks are targeted for
implementation within a five-year planning horizon structured around the three key objectives.
A two-phased approach to launching the Plan is proposed:
Phase One:
High priority actions and tasks that might be initiated or completed within a two-
year timeframe assuming resources are available.
Phase Two:
Continue and complete larger-scope actions initiated during Phase One. Complete
additional actions and continuation of longer-term efforts assuming resources are available.
B. Strategic Priority Outcomes
Strong Neighborhood Outcomes
The broader community outcomes of the plan are to increase public involvement and
engagement processes related to neighborhoods and improve the quality of life on a
neighborhood basis. Refinement of specific performance measures will be identified in a
collaborative process following Council adoption of a plan. However, examples of possible
performance measures are as follows:
Phase One:
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Annual report on use of best practices in citizen involvement projects
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Increase number of associations that meet all Council criteria for an active association
?
Identify Neighborhood Priorities
Phase Two:
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Increase number of people participating in public involvement activities
?
Respondents to annual community survey are aware of their Neighborhood Association
and feel it is having a positive impact on their neighborhood
?
Deliver Neighborhood Priorities
C. Progress to Date
The City Council and organization have an ongoing commitment to the objectives and outcomes
identified in this plan. Key programs and activities completed or underway that reflect progress
in meeting the three identified key objectives are included in Attachment D to the May 9, 2007
Agenda Item Summary.
NEAP Page 2 4-30-07
D. Action Plan
Action Action Step/Task Phase Department Resources Priority
# Ranking
Lead Required
Enhance Effective Public Engagement Activities
Broaden Community Involvement and Representation
1 Recruit for participation via demographics profiles to Phase CMO Medium to 18
ensure additional "silent" stakeholders; e.g., revise One High
boards & commissions recruitment process
2 Evaluate current and pilot new public involvement Phase CMO/All Depts High 20
tools that target accessibility and outreach to One &
un/under-represented communities and those less apt Two
to engage (the silent “happy” majority).
Broaden Tool Kit for Public Engagement
3 Institute "best practices" for citizen involvement, Phase All Depts Low 10
including methods for establishing clear expectations One
and closing the feedback loop.
Empower Neighbors to Do Improvements
4 Reinstate the Neighborhood Matching Grants Phase PDD/Neighbor-Low to 5
program. One hood Services Medium
Support Neighborhood Involvement by Empowering all Neighborhood Associations
Enhance Role of Neighborhood Associations
5 Provide training on collaboration tools and leadership Phase PDD/Neighbor-Medium to 17
development/coaching so that associations become Two hood Services High
forums to bring together divergent views for problem
solving.
6 Increase support for Neighborhood Associations’ Phase PDD/Neighbor-Low 9
communications, in both printed and electronic One hood Services
mediums.
7 Institute annual Neighborhood Summits with Phase PDD/Neighbor-Current 14
Neighborhood Associations boards and City elected & One hood Services
appointed officials.
8 Update Neighborhood Organization Recognition Phase PDD/Neighbor-Low 16
Policy and model charter to reflect current Council One hood Services
policy.
9 Consider the division of Cal Young and Active Bethel Phase PDD/Neighbor-Medium 21
Citizens into smaller associations, in accordance with One hood Services
Council’s policy on neighborhood boundaries.
B1 Enhance communications. To be more effective, Phase PDD/Neighbor-Medium to 19
Neighborhood Associations need enhanced One hood Services/ High
communications among associations, with the City All Dept
organization, with elected officials, and with other
government agencies.
B2 Increase ongoing support for Neighborhood Phase PDD/Neighbor-Medium to 3
Associations. In order to increase the participation One hood Services High
levels and effectiveness of Neighborhood
Associations, the City and Neighborhood Associations
should recognize the needs and strategize ways to
provide more ongoing support to them.
B3 Evaluate Existing Structure. The Neighborhood Phase PDD/Neighbor-Medium to 22
Leaders Council is an ad hoc group without formal ties One hood Services High
to the City Council or the City organization. Is it time
for that to change? Should we explore the
possibilities of other structures?
NEAP Page 3 4-30-07
Action Action Step/Task Phase Department Resources Priority
# Ranking
Lead Required
Focus Service Delivery to Better Meet Neighborhood-Identified Priorities
Public Safety Services
10 Collaborate with the Neighborhood Associations to Phase Police Low to 11
define their role in the Neighborhood-based One & Medium
Community Policing Strategy identified in Police Two
Strategic Plan.
Planning
11 Shift involvement of neighborhood associations to be Phase Planning Low 1
earlier in the land use process. One Division
12 Review standards for regulating and focusing Infill. Phase Planning High 2
Use opportunity siting as a primary strategy for One Division
achieving density in mixed use centers.
13 Create standards to minimize conversion from Phase Planning Medium to 6
residential uses. One Division High
Community Development
14 Work with Neighborhood Associations and other Phase PDD/Neighbor-Low to 15
community stakeholders to identify neighborhood One hood Services High
service priorities.
15 Integrate neighborhood priorities identified in the Phase PDD/Neighbor-Low to 4
City’s Operating Budget, the CIP, and Council Goals. Two hood Services High
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
16 Improve Park Safety through Park Watch program, Phase PW/POS, Medium to 13
park design and increased recreation activities by staff One & LRCS/REC High
and neighbors. Two
17 Improve neighborhood identity through public art, park Phase PW/POS Medium to 12
design, and signage. One & High
Two
Infrastructure Services
18 Walkable Community Improvements – Review/revise Phase PW/MAIN High 7
Sidewalk Infill program. One &
Two
19 Safe Streets - Upgrade unimproved streets, Phase PW/ ENG High 8
incorporate context-sensitive design. Two
20 Train Staff to be ambassadors for service delivery in Phase HRRS/All Low 23
neighborhoods One & Depts
Two
NEAP Page 4 4-30-07
ATTACHMENT B
NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT ACTION PLAN UPDATE
December 8, 2008
2007
Progress Action Priority Action Item Title
Indicator Item # Ranking (abbreviated) Update Highlights
?
1 18 Public Involvement
The Draft Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan includes recommendations that
participants should reflect
address this issue.
our whole community
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2 20 Public Involvement tools
The Draft Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan includes recommendations that
should engage more
address this issue.
people
?
3 10 Improve public
Various public involvement efforts by Departments have become more
involvement processes
responsive, in many cases involving Neighborhood Associations. Examples
include: South Ridgeline Habitat Study, Crest Drive Context Sensitive Solutions
Process, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Plan, Rasor Mixed Use Center
Study, Infill Compatibility Standards and the Opportunity Siting project.
?
4 5 Implement Neighborhood
14 projects awarded totaling $66,500 in 2007.
Matching Grants
?
8 projects awarded totaling $29,000 in 2008.
?
4 projects awarded totaling $10,000 in 2008 for Olympic Trials preparation.
?
Applications for 2009 cycle are due January 30, $70,000 is available.
?
5 17 Support Neighborhood
Problem solving assistance is an ongoing service of the Neighborhood Program.
Associations in problem-
This assistance has been in the form of assisting associations with grant projects,
solving
community outreach, and meeting facilitation.
?
Neighborhood Services plans to develop training modules in 2009 in the following
areas: effective meeting facilitation, revised/expanded neighborhood leader
orientation, and public outreach.
?
6 9 Increase communications
Funding increased in 2007 to allow 4 newsletters per year.
from Neighborhood
?
Training provided for newsletter editors.
Asociations
?
A subcommittee is reviewing the existing newsletter policy guidelines to address
concerns related to editorial oversight and spending authority.
st
?
7 14 Hold annual forums for
1 Neighborhood Summit held in February 2007.
Neighborhood
?
A subcommittee is planning the next Summit for March 7, 2009.
Associations and elected
?
A recent online survey solicited suggestions from Neighborhood Leaders and
officials
Board Members to inform planning for 2009 Summit.
?
8 16 Affirm Council policy on
The recently completed Neighborhood Services Assessment indicated that the
Neighborhood
Neighborhood Organization Recognition Policy may need to be updated and
Associations
revisited. It was suggested that the NEI Committee would be an appropriate
venue to start this discussion.
1
Implementation underway Action initiated No significant action to date Page
2007
Progress Action Priority Action Item Title
Indicator Item # Ranking (abbreviated) Update Highlights
?
9 21 Divide the larger
The recently completed Neighborhood Services Assessment indicated that this
neighborhood
issue bears further assessment.
associations into smaller
ones
?
10 11 Define Neighborhood
The recently completed Neighborhood Services Assessment recommends
Associations' role in
Neighborhood Services partner with the Police Department to develop a more
community policing
comprehensive crime prevention program.
?
11 1 Involve Neighborhood
A Neighborhood Planner was hired in December of 2007 to assist
Associations earlier in
Neighborhoods to be informed and effective participants in the land use review
land use proposals
process.
?
The Minor Code Amendment Process (MiCAP) addressed several Neighborhood
concerns including a requirement that applicants meet with Neighborhood groups
prior to submitting significant land use applications.
?
Neighborhoods have been provided free access to the Regional Land Information
Database (RLID) to assist their planning efforts.
?
14 Neighborhood Leaders were given scholarships to attend the Oregon
Planning Institute Conference in October.
?
Improvements to the City’s land use application database have resulted in a
friendly user interface and content.
?
Weekly email notices inform neighborhood designees about recently submitted
applications, Limited Consultations, and Pre-application Conferences.
?
Changes to bring clarity to public hearing notices and posted signs are being
considered.
?
12 2 Increase density in
The Infill Compatibility Standards (ICS) Task Team is studying infill related issues
existing neighborhoods
concerning single-dwellings, multi-dwellings, and subdivisions.
thoughtfully
Recommendations are anticipated in June 2009.
?
The Opportunity Siting (OS) Task Team is developing a process to work with
residents to identify siting criteria of denser residential development that protects
neighborhood character. Market and financial feasibility studies of hypothetical
development sites has provided insights into funding challenges. Final
recommendations are anticipated in June 2009.
?
13 6 Preserve residential
The ICS Task Team is studying compatibility issues between residences and
zoning
adjacent commercial uses.
?
14 15 Set service priorities by
A Neighborhood Planner was hired in October of 2008 to facilitate Neighborhood-
neighborhood
based planning efforts. A primary goal of the proposed Neighborhood Plans is
issue identification and prioritization on a neighborhood basis.
?
Initial public outreach is planned for early 2009.
2
Implementation underway Action initiated No significant action to date Page
2007
Progress Action Priority Action Item Title
Indicator Item # Ranking (abbreviated) Update Highlights
?
15 4 Neighborhood priorities
Neighborhood priorities as identified through the Neighborhood-based planning
guide service and funding
process (see above) can serve as a decision-making tool in future budget
decisions
processes.
?
16 13 Make parks safer
Additional funding was identified in FY07 to fund bike patrols for urban parks.
?
Increased Recreation programming has improved legitimate uses in urban parks
such as Monroe Park.
?
17 12 Promote neighborhood
Neighborhood Matching Grants have provided funding for several identity
nd
identity
enhancing projects such as the 22 and Garfield Intersection Repair Project and
th
8 and Blair public art and landscaping.
?
The Neighborhood-based planning process (see item #14) can facilitate the
identification of projects that promote neighborhood identity.
?
18 7 Ensure safe routes for
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Plan contains many action items related to
walkers
improving safety for pedestrians including: reinitiating the sidewalk infill program,
launching a Share the Road education campaign, and developing a
comprehensive Safe Routes to School program.
?
A Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has been formed to prioritize and
provide input on transportation-related projects.
?
19 8 Design streets to meet
Transportation staff work more closely with Neighborhoods to design streets that
both transportation and
reflect both transportation needs and community interests. Examples include
neighborhood needs
Crest Drive Context Sensitive Solutions and Elmira-Maple Street Improvement
Project.
?
20 23 Emphasize customer
HRRS provides new employee orientation and ongoing trainings (including
service skills in City staff
diversity trainings) that emphasizes strong customer service and positive working
trainings
interactions.
?
All employees are held to a high standard for customer service. When work
sections have been faced with challenges, specialized trainings have been
provided to deal with the issues in a specialized manner.
?
B1 19 Enhance communications
The NEI process continues to be an excellent venue for enhancing City-
neighborhood communication by bringing together neighborhood leaders and
representatives from a cross section of departments within the City organization
on a monthly basis.
?
The Neighborhood Empowerment Committee is currently studying the issue of
enhanced communications: between Neighborhood Associations, between the
City organization and Neighborhood Associations, between elected officials and
Neighborhood Associations, and with other community organizations and
Neighborhood Associations.
3
Implementation underway Action initiated No significant action to date Page
2007
Progress Action Priority Action Item Title
Indicator Item # Ranking (abbreviated) Update Highlights
?
B2 3 Increase ongoing support
A Neighborhood Services Assessment report has just been concluded that
for Neighborhood
provides recommendations regarding structure, organization and staffing of the
Associations
program. Recommendations will be implemented based on input from
Neighborhoods and an interdepartmental staff team.
?
Neighborhood Association’s spending authority has been expanded for uses that
include $200/year for neighborhood-building event expenses (e.g., refreshments,
entertainment, and insurance.)
?
Neighborhood Services recently held a training for newsletter editors that will be
offered on a regular basis. Additional training modules are planned for
development in 2009 including effective meeting facilitation, revised/expanded
neighborhood leader orientation, planning 101, website
development/maintenance and public outreach.
?
B3 22 Change existing structure
The Neighborhood Services Assessment included as a recommendation to
formally recognize the Neighborhood Leaders Council. The NLC is currently
deliberating the pros and cons of such a move.
4
Implementation underway Action initiated No significant action to date Page
ATTACHMENT C
Neighborhood Empowerment Committee
Staff Representatives:
Renee Grube, Library, Recreation & Cultural Services; Administration
Jason Dedrick, Planning and Development; Planning
Lisa Gardner, Planning and Development; Planning
Larry Hill, Central Services; Finance
Kim McCrea, Central Services; Information Services
Kathy Madison, Library, Recreation & Cultural Services; Administration
Isaac Markehe, Library, Recreation & Cultural Services; Recreation
Michelle Mortensen, Planning and Development; Planning
Sarah Medary, City Managers Office
Doug Perry, Eugene Fire Department; Administration
Carolyn Weiss, Planning and Development; Planning
Michael Kinnison, Planning and Development; Planning
Cindy Clarke, Planning and Development; Planning
Neighborhood Representatives:
Jan Wostmann, Laurel Hill Valley Citizens, NLC Co-Chair
David Hinkley, Jefferson Westside Neighbors, NLC Co-Chair
John Barofsky, Fairmount Neighbors
Majeska Seese-Green, Whiteaker Community Council
Carleen Reilly, River Road Community Organization
Rene Kane, Jefferson Westside Neighbors
Laura Gillpatrick, Active Bethel Citizens
Kevin Matthews, Southeast Neighbors
Cathryn Treadway, Crest Drive Citizens
Bob Reeves, Eugene Neighbors, Inc.
Bernie Corrigan, Friendly Area Neighbors
Jon Belcher, Amazon Neighbors
Jack Radabaugh, Harlow Neighbors
Sally Smith, South University Neighborhood Association
Tonya Spears, Cal Young Neighbors